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Work for It
For men like us, trust doesn't come easy.
In this village, I’m an outcast: Griffin Everett, the scowling giant who prefers plants to people. Then I meet Keynes, a stranger from the city who’s everything I’m not: sharp-tongued, sophisticated, beautiful. Free. For a few precious moments in a dark alleyway, he’s also mine, hot and sweet under the stars… until he crushes me like dirt beneath his designer boot.
When the prettiest man I’ve ever hated shows up at my job the next day, I’m not sure if I want to strangle him or drag him into bed. Actually—I think I want both. But Keynes isn’t here for the likes of me: he makes that painfully clear. With everyone else at work, he’s all gorgeous, glittering charm—but when I get too close, he turns vicious.
And yet, I can’t stay away. Because there’s something about this ice king that sets me on fire, a secret vulnerability that makes my chest ache. I’ll do whatever it takes to sneak past his walls and see the real man again.
The last thing I expect is for that man to ruin me.
In this village, I’m an outcast: Griffin Everett, the scowling giant who prefers plants to people. Then I meet Keynes, a stranger from the city who’s everything I’m not: sharp-tongued, sophisticated, beautiful. Free. For a few precious moments in a dark alleyway, he’s also mine, hot and sweet under the stars… until he crushes me like dirt beneath his designer boot.
When the prettiest man I’ve ever hated shows up at my job the next day, I’m not sure if I want to strangle him or drag him into bed. Actually—I think I want both. But Keynes isn’t here for the likes of me: he makes that painfully clear. With everyone else at work, he’s all gorgeous, glittering charm—but when I get too close, he turns vicious.
And yet, I can’t stay away. Because there’s something about this ice king that sets me on fire, a secret vulnerability that makes my chest ache. I’ll do whatever it takes to sneak past his walls and see the real man again.
The last thing I expect is for that man to ruin me.
284 pages, ebook
First published September 3, 2019
339 people are currently reading
6182 people want to read
About the author
Talia Hibbert
30 books34.3k followersTalia Hibbert is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author whose books are available in 15 languages.
Best known for her Brown Sisters series, Talia writes spicy, inclusive romance novels starring complicated characters who make readers feel seen. Talia's debut romantasy will hit shelves in Summer 2026.
A typically cantankerous Brit, Talia's hobbies include chugging cups of tea, eating too many biscuits, and complaining bitterly about the weather.
Best known for her Brown Sisters series, Talia writes spicy, inclusive romance novels starring complicated characters who make readers feel seen. Talia's debut romantasy will hit shelves in Summer 2026.
A typically cantankerous Brit, Talia's hobbies include chugging cups of tea, eating too many biscuits, and complaining bitterly about the weather.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 996 reviews
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July 30, 2019I am reading this right now (because it's literally my book and unfortunately I have to edit it) and wow, it bangs. Well done me. Cracking effort. Take a gander if you are into:
- cynics struggling with their depression and learning to love themselves
- enormous and intimidating but ultimately soft-hearted grumps
- pastel suits
- men who climb trees and look at flowers as stress-relief
- opposites violently attracting
- prickly characters who hate each other until they don't
- Imposter Syndrome Everywhere
- eating the rich (unless it's Olu, then you eat out the rich)
- (I'm joking)
- (or am I)
- POWERFUL FRIENDSHIPS
Basically two dudes have some issues, want to bang, dislike each other and decide they don't want to bang, accidentally like each other again and then they bang, then they remember they still didn't fix the issues, then some stuff goes sideways. Also, there is Lizzie from Undone by the Ex-Con.
I promise the book is written better than this, don't judge me, my brain is a different person on the internet.
[Content Note: this book includes depression, anxiety, references to past sexual trauma and forced outing, references to a parent who died by suicide.]
- cynics struggling with their depression and learning to love themselves
- enormous and intimidating but ultimately soft-hearted grumps
- pastel suits
- men who climb trees and look at flowers as stress-relief
- opposites violently attracting
- prickly characters who hate each other until they don't
- Imposter Syndrome Everywhere
- eating the rich (unless it's Olu, then you eat out the rich)
- (I'm joking)
- (or am I)
- POWERFUL FRIENDSHIPS
Basically two dudes have some issues, want to bang, dislike each other and decide they don't want to bang, accidentally like each other again and then they bang, then they remember they still didn't fix the issues, then some stuff goes sideways. Also, there is Lizzie from Undone by the Ex-Con.
I promise the book is written better than this, don't judge me, my brain is a different person on the internet.
[Content Note: this book includes depression, anxiety, references to past sexual trauma and forced outing, references to a parent who died by suicide.]
Read
August 22, 2019Talia Hibbert's first m/m is a barnstormer of angst, UST, and enemies-to-lovers where the enmity is expressed in real hurt, not smirks and snark. Olu is a profoundly damaged guy, hiding depression, rejection, serious betrayal and a lot of unaddressed issues under a polished exterior. Griff is a huge weird-looking countryman, deeply hurt by his isolation in a tiny village but lacking the drive to leave. They're both painfully sensitive to slights, which makes for a really difficult relationship because they are also both used to pushing others away, and neither of them handles painful conversations well at first.
It's terrifically done. Olu is an absolute mess, Griff clearly mired in deep sadness and a lifetime of rejection that's left him without the drive to fight for what he wants. This sounds like a miseryfest but it isn't, because Olu hangs on to his sense of humour when all else fails, and because both of them grab the prospect of a bit of happiness with both hands. They both fight for the nascent relationship from, if not the start, near it, first for companionship, then liking, then love, and while love doesn't heal all, it does allow them both to open a lot of slammed-close doors. (The message here is that love doesn't cure depression but it can motivate you to take your meds.)
The relationship is swoony but very real, shot through with awkwardnesses and missteps and un/intentional hurts, saved as both men learn to open up, apologise, explain themselves, and reassess their places in the world. I had a proper cry at the Bad Moment. Also features excellent cameos from the linked books, particularly Isaac. I could read an entire book of Olu and Isaac Run A Publishing House.
Don't fear the angst, you are safe in Talia's hands. A terrific read from one of our best contemporary writers.
I had an ARC from the author.
It's terrifically done. Olu is an absolute mess, Griff clearly mired in deep sadness and a lifetime of rejection that's left him without the drive to fight for what he wants. This sounds like a miseryfest but it isn't, because Olu hangs on to his sense of humour when all else fails, and because both of them grab the prospect of a bit of happiness with both hands. They both fight for the nascent relationship from, if not the start, near it, first for companionship, then liking, then love, and while love doesn't heal all, it does allow them both to open a lot of slammed-close doors. (The message here is that love doesn't cure depression but it can motivate you to take your meds.)
The relationship is swoony but very real, shot through with awkwardnesses and missteps and un/intentional hurts, saved as both men learn to open up, apologise, explain themselves, and reassess their places in the world. I had a proper cry at the Bad Moment. Also features excellent cameos from the linked books, particularly Isaac. I could read an entire book of Olu and Isaac Run A Publishing House.
Don't fear the angst, you are safe in Talia's hands. A terrific read from one of our best contemporary writers.
I had an ARC from the author.
July 4, 2020
*4.5 stars*
When I decided to do a week of reading and spotlighting only Black authors, I knew I needed to include a Talia Hibbert book. I'm a huge Talia Hibbert fan and read her stuff all the time, but I've been saving Work for It for a special occasion.
Work for It is Talia Hibbert's only M/M romance (that I know of), and since I'm such a huge fan of the genre and of the author, my expectations were sky high. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Talia Hibbert delivered with an intense, angsty romance that will twist your heart and win you over completely.
Some might not love this slower-paced story, but I adored the character-focused plot. I always love how Talia takes characters with baggage and issues and doesn't change them but finds matches that complement them, just how they are. Her characters are always so nuanced, and I really appreciate that. I was fully gripped by these two men, and I didn't feel like I was missing much by reading it as a stand-alone.
Other than a few editing and grammatical errors, this story was an absolute joy to read, even if it did punch me in the face with feelings at times. I hope that Talia Hibbert writes dozens more M/M romance books because she knocked it out of the park.
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When I decided to do a week of reading and spotlighting only Black authors, I knew I needed to include a Talia Hibbert book. I'm a huge Talia Hibbert fan and read her stuff all the time, but I've been saving Work for It for a special occasion.
Work for It is Talia Hibbert's only M/M romance (that I know of), and since I'm such a huge fan of the genre and of the author, my expectations were sky high. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Talia Hibbert delivered with an intense, angsty romance that will twist your heart and win you over completely.
Some might not love this slower-paced story, but I adored the character-focused plot. I always love how Talia takes characters with baggage and issues and doesn't change them but finds matches that complement them, just how they are. Her characters are always so nuanced, and I really appreciate that. I was fully gripped by these two men, and I didn't feel like I was missing much by reading it as a stand-alone.
Other than a few editing and grammatical errors, this story was an absolute joy to read, even if it did punch me in the face with feelings at times. I hope that Talia Hibbert writes dozens more M/M romance books because she knocked it out of the park.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
February 8, 2025
this MM romance has grumpy x grumpier (but they are secretly softies) and I loved it
February 11, 2020
This is how he wins, how he makes me all dizzy and soft: he smiles, for real, and for me.
Talia has yet again scripted a stunning slow-burn romance, this time between two very soft fire-and-ice queer men. Featuring past traumas and current mental illnesses, Work for It is a tough read at times but is crafted with the utmost of care and promises a sweet and satisfying ending.
Check out my full review here!
April 17, 2020
3.5 stars
Griffin and Keynes meet at Griffin’s work place. They seem so different, but the more they get to know each other the more they realize they have in common. I love broody guys and both of these men were broody in their own way. As much as I loved Keynes, Griffin stole my heart. I rooted for him to find love and to love himself. It made me so happy when he finally did.
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was narrated by Shane East and Chance Thoreau. I absolutely love Shane West’s narration and accent. He did an amazing job voicing Griffin. Chance is a new to me narrator and he did a good job, but something about him narrating Keynes didn’t quite work for me. I’m not sure if it was the accent, or his tone, but at times his chapters took me out of the story. It’s one of those books I would rather have read than listened to.
This is my third book by Talia Hibbert and I’ll definitely be reading more. I love her writing style and her character building. This was an emotional story that I enjoyed a lot!
Doesn’t he know no-one’s ever made me feel so many things at once in my whole life?Work for It is a beautiful story about two very different men finding love at an unlikely time.
Griffin and Keynes meet at Griffin’s work place. They seem so different, but the more they get to know each other the more they realize they have in common. I love broody guys and both of these men were broody in their own way. As much as I loved Keynes, Griffin stole my heart. I rooted for him to find love and to love himself. It made me so happy when he finally did.
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was narrated by Shane East and Chance Thoreau. I absolutely love Shane West’s narration and accent. He did an amazing job voicing Griffin. Chance is a new to me narrator and he did a good job, but something about him narrating Keynes didn’t quite work for me. I’m not sure if it was the accent, or his tone, but at times his chapters took me out of the story. It’s one of those books I would rather have read than listened to.
This is my third book by Talia Hibbert and I’ll definitely be reading more. I love her writing style and her character building. This was an emotional story that I enjoyed a lot!
May 30, 2022
4.5 stars
October 15, 2023
BEAU-TI-FUL ! Why aren’t more ppl reading this book? I can’t believe I though this would be angsty and heavy when it’s actually warm, emotional and on the light/low angst side. It’s also beautifully written I’m actually mad I didn’t know about this author .
So, we have here a book very similar to Glitterland (and we all know how I feel about Glitterland 😍) as in it has that same lyrical writing (minus AH’s witty humor) and in the fact that it deals with mental health issues.
Olu, just like Ash, struggles to get through day to day without crumbling, and also like Ash he’s surly, moody, closed off and a ..well, a posh twat , to put it “Britishly” LOL .
Griff on the other hand is no Darian, that’s for sure. He doesn’t have that self confidence and self assurance. He’s just as kind though. He had been avoided, ignored and even despised by his fellow villagers all his life. He had a difficult past because as it happens, his mother suffered from mental health issues too and it was hell for the shy, loving boy Griff. He’s also a bear of a man and not so……aesthetically pleasing, as in he was huge and scary so most ppl used this to justify their asshollery. He was in fact the gentle giant we all adore in books.
I hated that the author kept insisting how quaint the village was how beautiful, how relaxing how much fun Olu had there and I hated that Olu gave those ppl the time of day. They were awful to Griff.
Ironically, Olu and Griff start on the wrong foot too because Griff is jaded and tired of ppl thinking he is a dumb meathead and Olu, well he is used to ppl being charmed by his mask. And Griff wasn’t , he saw right through that mask. Enough to scare Olu and to put him on edge , on the defensive and lashing out.They’re wonderful together though, getting to know each other slowly and thoroughly. I loved Griff’s courage to speak his mind , I loved that HE was the one to push for more, to find a way and I cried when Olu broke his heart (though unlike Ash he wasn’t cruel).
Yes, we do have the 80% break up but it’s done well and smoothly and the HEA is 😍 .
It’s not a very smutty book but it has the right amount of sex scenes , I know some ppl care about this thing.
As for the side characters I can’t say I was impressed by any of them, not even the sister. Olu and Griff make their own universe in this book and nothing apart from them really matters.
I would like to mention something before I conclude this review . I want to mention how happy I was that the author didn’t choose to redeem the village and its ppl.
That it wasn’t Olu who found “Nirvana” in that pesky village and managed to make everybody get along and live happily ever after like in any country boy/city boy trope book but that it was Griff who said “fuck this village and fuck these ppl, let’s get out of here” . It felt very..right and satisfying.
4.5 ⭐️ for this touching book. I know it could be 5 but the lack of angst and the fact that it dragged a smidge halfway made me feel that it’s more of a 4.5 stars rounded down for me.
Thank you , Drache, you were right, this IS a gem.
So, we have here a book very similar to Glitterland (and we all know how I feel about Glitterland 😍) as in it has that same lyrical writing (minus AH’s witty humor) and in the fact that it deals with mental health issues.
Olu, just like Ash, struggles to get through day to day without crumbling, and also like Ash he’s surly, moody, closed off and a ..well, a posh twat , to put it “Britishly” LOL .
Griff on the other hand is no Darian, that’s for sure. He doesn’t have that self confidence and self assurance. He’s just as kind though. He had been avoided, ignored and even despised by his fellow villagers all his life. He had a difficult past because as it happens, his mother suffered from mental health issues too and it was hell for the shy, loving boy Griff. He’s also a bear of a man and not so……aesthetically pleasing, as in he was huge and scary so most ppl used this to justify their asshollery. He was in fact the gentle giant we all adore in books.
I hated that the author kept insisting how quaint the village was how beautiful, how relaxing how much fun Olu had there and I hated that Olu gave those ppl the time of day. They were awful to Griff.
Ironically, Olu and Griff start on the wrong foot too because Griff is jaded and tired of ppl thinking he is a dumb meathead and Olu, well he is used to ppl being charmed by his mask. And Griff wasn’t , he saw right through that mask. Enough to scare Olu and to put him on edge , on the defensive and lashing out.They’re wonderful together though, getting to know each other slowly and thoroughly. I loved Griff’s courage to speak his mind , I loved that HE was the one to push for more, to find a way and I cried when Olu broke his heart (though unlike Ash he wasn’t cruel).
Yes, we do have the 80% break up but it’s done well and smoothly and the HEA is 😍 .
It’s not a very smutty book but it has the right amount of sex scenes , I know some ppl care about this thing.
As for the side characters I can’t say I was impressed by any of them, not even the sister. Olu and Griff make their own universe in this book and nothing apart from them really matters.
I would like to mention something before I conclude this review . I want to mention how happy I was that the author didn’t choose to redeem the village and its ppl.
That it wasn’t Olu who found “Nirvana” in that pesky village and managed to make everybody get along and live happily ever after like in any country boy/city boy trope book but that it was Griff who said “fuck this village and fuck these ppl, let’s get out of here” . It felt very..right and satisfying.
4.5 ⭐️ for this touching book. I know it could be 5 but the lack of angst and the fact that it dragged a smidge halfway made me feel that it’s more of a 4.5 stars rounded down for me.
Thank you , Drache, you were right, this IS a gem.
February 1, 2020
Audio .... 5 A.M.A.Z.I.N.G STARS! Both narrators were perfectly cast for their role. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that one of the narrators, Shane East, is also one of my favorite drool-worthy narrators, Steve West! 🤤😍♥️
Story.... Sadly 2.75 Stars 😥
Simply put the writing was excellent, the MCs well developed and complex, but the story, overall, was slow and dull. There was definitely some telling instead of showing. Also, for me, it wasn't emotionally charged enough and..um..I wouldn't have minded a couple more steamy scenes. The author definitely knows how to write great steamy scenes, so of course I wanted more.
Story.... Sadly 2.75 Stars 😥
Simply put the writing was excellent, the MCs well developed and complex, but the story, overall, was slow and dull. There was definitely some telling instead of showing. Also, for me, it wasn't emotionally charged enough and..um..I wouldn't have minded a couple more steamy scenes. The author definitely knows how to write great steamy scenes, so of course I wanted more.
October 17, 2019
Goodness. I.. goodness.
So I treated myself to this book after a disappointing read, which felt good because I love supporting delightful authors, and then I ended up sorta impulsively buddy reading it with friends who also deserved a treat (also hahaha sorry guys, as always, I am the worst buddy reader), so generally everything about this read was heading towards a good time. And then I started getting sucked into this book and things got even better.
"I may not be built like a lorry, like some people–"
"I prefer ‘brick shit-house’."
"–but I've been told I have a terrifying aura."
"Would be more terrifying you didn't talk about auras."
If you like Roan Parrish's Riven series, you'll love WORK FOR IT. Hibbert infuses this slowburn m/m romance with the same kind of mental health focus that Parrish does and she, too, does it so well. It adds layers to a story that didn't need them, because it would've been good even without, but with them it's delicious and emotional. Even better it's a hate-to-love — in a broad sense, that is, but more specifically it's a attracted-but-prefer-to-bicker-instead-of-bone which eases into friendship and then more. It's not only beautiful but it's a delight.
How, exactly, does one say, "I assumed you would stop loving me if you found out how depressed and anxious I am," without making it sounds as if you think the other person's a bit of a prick?
This book steamed up my glasses, made me cry, made me laugh, made me swoon. There are passages that are angsty af as well as heartbreaking but the emotional evolution, the character growth and the challenges they face, it's all such a perfect balance. For all the quick build of the connection, it's equally glacial. The pacing between them is the perfect kind of slow, of cautious, of clear consent, and it's completely and categorically hot. Also the feeeeeels.
What the fuck am I supposed to do with him if he doesn't want tea? He's just exhausted my social knowhow with five words.
I now realize I’ve said nothing at all about the book itself so let's break it down :
depressed former playboy. reclusive grumpy farmer. opposites attract. age gap. size gap. wait, that last one sounds awful, I just mean one of them is Very Big and the other is Not As Big. kitchen hijinks. Soft Men (not boys, they are older, it's great). trying a little tenderness. supportive friends. also some sheep.
This is how he wins, how he makes me all dizzy and soft: he smiles, for real, and for me.
I'm not sure that break down accomplished anything at all so instead you should just read this book.
For Christ's sake, did he have to insult me with Scrabble words? Couldn't he have just called me a tosser?
I will mention that in writing this review I discovered this is the fourth book of a series which does make sense considering some side characters who were woven in and out with backstory that was both briefly explained and implied, so. Maybe that'll keep you from picking this up right away but. It definitely stands on its own. Though I may find myself working my way through the right order sooner rather than later..
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
So I treated myself to this book after a disappointing read, which felt good because I love supporting delightful authors, and then I ended up sorta impulsively buddy reading it with friends who also deserved a treat (also hahaha sorry guys, as always, I am the worst buddy reader), so generally everything about this read was heading towards a good time. And then I started getting sucked into this book and things got even better.
"I may not be built like a lorry, like some people–"
"I prefer ‘brick shit-house’."
"–but I've been told I have a terrifying aura."
"Would be more terrifying you didn't talk about auras."
If you like Roan Parrish's Riven series, you'll love WORK FOR IT. Hibbert infuses this slowburn m/m romance with the same kind of mental health focus that Parrish does and she, too, does it so well. It adds layers to a story that didn't need them, because it would've been good even without, but with them it's delicious and emotional. Even better it's a hate-to-love — in a broad sense, that is, but more specifically it's a attracted-but-prefer-to-bicker-instead-of-bone which eases into friendship and then more. It's not only beautiful but it's a delight.
How, exactly, does one say, "I assumed you would stop loving me if you found out how depressed and anxious I am," without making it sounds as if you think the other person's a bit of a prick?
This book steamed up my glasses, made me cry, made me laugh, made me swoon. There are passages that are angsty af as well as heartbreaking but the emotional evolution, the character growth and the challenges they face, it's all such a perfect balance. For all the quick build of the connection, it's equally glacial. The pacing between them is the perfect kind of slow, of cautious, of clear consent, and it's completely and categorically hot. Also the feeeeeels.
What the fuck am I supposed to do with him if he doesn't want tea? He's just exhausted my social knowhow with five words.
I now realize I’ve said nothing at all about the book itself so let's break it down :
depressed former playboy. reclusive grumpy farmer. opposites attract. age gap. size gap. wait, that last one sounds awful, I just mean one of them is Very Big and the other is Not As Big. kitchen hijinks. Soft Men (not boys, they are older, it's great). trying a little tenderness. supportive friends. also some sheep.
This is how he wins, how he makes me all dizzy and soft: he smiles, for real, and for me.
I'm not sure that break down accomplished anything at all so instead you should just read this book.
For Christ's sake, did he have to insult me with Scrabble words? Couldn't he have just called me a tosser?
I will mention that in writing this review I discovered this is the fourth book of a series which does make sense considering some side characters who were woven in and out with backstory that was both briefly explained and implied, so. Maybe that'll keep you from picking this up right away but. It definitely stands on its own. Though I may find myself working my way through the right order sooner rather than later..
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
March 17, 2025
Contemporary romance is not a genre I tend to gravitate towards all that often, I find that either the plot is a bit thin on the ground or it's just a bit too cheesy and dramatic for me and I am always left feeling a bit unfulfilled.
Sometimes when the mood hits though you just gotta see it through and I was in the mood for something a bit cheesy and romantic and this book really delivered that vibe in spades. I have always heard good things about Tahlia Hibbert as an author and I can see why she has such a good reputation for writing charming romances.
I really enjoyed the small English country town vibes and Olu and Griff have a lovely opposites attract sort of chemistry happening in this story. Also featured in their dynamic is an age gap (10 years 28 vs 38) and the fact that the characters are both verse (making for some pretty hot spice).
Olu, recovering from a laundry list of childhood insecurities and a deeply damaging intimate betrayal and Griff with long history of isolation and ostracization, probably shouldn’t have worked with how poor both of their communications skills were, but I loved that they were able to navigate each of their respective issues to make it work because they WANTED it.
Although it’s not clearly advertised this is a standalone/ 4th book for another of Hibberts series. I went into this without any prior knowledge of these relationships and characters and did not feel like it impacted my reading experience in the slightest.
The side characters were all wonderful, probably aided by the fact that they have all had their own respective books prior to this release. Olu and Lizzie's relationship was a special favourite of mine.
Really just a lovely uncomplicated reading experience. Considering MM isn't a dynamic she seems to have written often I think Hibbert has done a great job here (which can't be said for all MF authors who give MM a crack).
(Also, I love that Griff got an opportunity to stand up for himself. You go boo 💕)
Sometimes when the mood hits though you just gotta see it through and I was in the mood for something a bit cheesy and romantic and this book really delivered that vibe in spades. I have always heard good things about Tahlia Hibbert as an author and I can see why she has such a good reputation for writing charming romances.
I really enjoyed the small English country town vibes and Olu and Griff have a lovely opposites attract sort of chemistry happening in this story. Also featured in their dynamic is an age gap (10 years 28 vs 38) and the fact that the characters are both verse (making for some pretty hot spice).
Olu, recovering from a laundry list of childhood insecurities and a deeply damaging intimate betrayal and Griff with long history of isolation and ostracization, probably shouldn’t have worked with how poor both of their communications skills were, but I loved that they were able to navigate each of their respective issues to make it work because they WANTED it.
Although it’s not clearly advertised this is a standalone/ 4th book for another of Hibberts series. I went into this without any prior knowledge of these relationships and characters and did not feel like it impacted my reading experience in the slightest.
The side characters were all wonderful, probably aided by the fact that they have all had their own respective books prior to this release. Olu and Lizzie's relationship was a special favourite of mine.
Really just a lovely uncomplicated reading experience. Considering MM isn't a dynamic she seems to have written often I think Hibbert has done a great job here (which can't be said for all MF authors who give MM a crack).
(Also, I love that Griff got an opportunity to stand up for himself. You go boo 💕)
January 16, 2023
5 beautiful STARS!
I was hoping to have the time to attempt do this book justice with a long and involved review, but unfortunately that isn't in the cards. All I'll say is that the writing was glorious, Olu and Griff's love was hard won, and I'm now the proud owner of a paperback copy.
I can't recommend enough!!
I was hoping to have the time to attempt do this book justice with a long and involved review, but unfortunately that isn't in the cards. All I'll say is that the writing was glorious, Olu and Griff's love was hard won, and I'm now the proud owner of a paperback copy.
I can't recommend enough!!
May 12, 2025
3/5
- I’ve read a few books by this author and this one was a spicy one! The plot was so fun to follow and I’ll definitely read more from this author.
- This was one of those books that when I finished it, I almost completely forgot the entire story but I do remember enjoying it while reading!
- The story is definitely a slower paced read so keep that in mind when picking up this book!
- I’ve read a few books by this author and this one was a spicy one! The plot was so fun to follow and I’ll definitely read more from this author.
- This was one of those books that when I finished it, I almost completely forgot the entire story but I do remember enjoying it while reading!
- The story is definitely a slower paced read so keep that in mind when picking up this book!
December 21, 2022
All the Olu and Griff stars!! I listed to the audio version narrated by Shane East and Chance Thoreau. Shane blows me away with his level of voice acting, the emotions!!
This story is almost a grumpy/sunshine, but they are both moody for their own reasons. Griff is a monster of a man, relentlessly teased growing up. I hurt for his character so much throughout this story. I swear I could see him working in the garden, all grumbly and awkward. Both he and Olu come from opposite sides of the social spectrum. Wealth vs poor, private vs public schools and a close family vs none. Olu is a crabby snob who pushes away everyone he meets, with the exception of his sister.
A stunningly beautiful MM romance. I want to work in the garden with Griff and have Olu help me with my taxes.
This story is almost a grumpy/sunshine, but they are both moody for their own reasons. Griff is a monster of a man, relentlessly teased growing up. I hurt for his character so much throughout this story. I swear I could see him working in the garden, all grumbly and awkward. Both he and Olu come from opposite sides of the social spectrum. Wealth vs poor, private vs public schools and a close family vs none. Olu is a crabby snob who pushes away everyone he meets, with the exception of his sister.
“I don't sulk; I brood. Like Batman.”This is such a beautiful story of complex characters learning from each other, maturing, and growing in love, it was incredibly touching.
“I’m afraid of lots of things,” he says promptly. “Mum used to tell me fear will stunt you. Like growing a sunflower inside a cupboard. So I try to take my sunflower outside, even when it kills me.”I have to give huge props to the narrators again, I have a feeling had I simply read this story, it wouldn’t have snuck it’s way into my heart as much as hearing the pain, love and hope from those voices.
A stunningly beautiful MM romance. I want to work in the garden with Griff and have Olu help me with my taxes.
June 6, 2023
Loved this book! Absolutely loved both characters and watching them slowly fall in love with each other was so sweet and perfect. I may go back and read more of the series because I’m curious about some of the side characters.
March 14, 2025
If possible I loved this even more, this is utterly perfection 💚
Olu and Griff are so special and have a special place in my heart forever 🫶
“I whisper into his mouth, “Please don’t leave me again.”
“I won’t,” he says. “I won’t.”
“And I won’t stop loving you when things get hard. Please try to believe that. Because I’m going to prove it.” I press our foreheads together, let him feel my lips move against his.(…) I want you to feel better, but I love you as you are.”
His next breath shudders out of him. “And I love you.”
“It’s not a competition,” I say solemnly.
“If it was,” he tells me, “I would absolutely win.”
———————————————————————————————————-
𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 *𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰* 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼, 𝓮𝔁𝓬𝓮𝓹𝓽 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰… 𝓲𝓽 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓭 🥺. I 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓞𝓵𝓾 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓖𝓻𝓲𝓯𝓯 🌱🌾🌿🍃🪴🪻🌴🌳 📖📚📓
I’m absolutely in love with this writing, and I want to live in this book. The English countryside is like a dream come true. I’ll stay in a quiet corner, behind a plant. I swear you won’t see me or hear me breathing harshly, I promise! [Not.] This book calmed me, drew me in, kept me warm and cosy, and had me always smiling.
I’ve read so many reviews saying this was boring, and I respectfully cannot fathom for the life of me why. This is so delicate, poetic—ethereal even—but also funny, sweet, and *so* hot 🥵. In other words: perfect! I’ve highlighted entire pages of this book. Everything is so meaningful and right that I just couldn’t decide what was important or not.
I love Olu. His posh sarcasm is the best. He’s like a big, handsome, sassy brat, hiding all those insecurities, just waiting to be unwrapped. And Griff… the gentle giant. Their connection is stunning. The way they laugh together, even in bed, feels so refreshing. Omg, I’m obsessed! The slow-burning tension between these two, working through their own insecurities, the soft, cautious touches, the build-up… every touch, every kiss, everything they do is special. They heal each other so beautifully, in perfect synchrony 🫶. I just can’t deal, damn.
I absolutely loved the sex dynamic. I just can’t. It’s like someone created a bundle of “all things Patrícia loves.” Add to that the size and age gap, the grumpy-and-sassy sunshine pairing, the *aesthetic*—I’m in heaven.
Usually, I hate endless inner thoughts, but I loved every word in this one. It’s the way the author writes them—the personal, intimate thoughts and doubts—that makes it truly special. Do I wish we’d had more dialogue? Yes, obviously, but I didn’t mind being in their heads the entire time. It made me feel like I’ve known them forever.
A hail to the incredible secondary characters: Maria, Rebecca, and Elizabeth—and their husbands.
𝑀𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝒹… 𝐼’𝓂 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝑔𝒶𝓇-𝓇𝓊𝓈𝒽-𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓊𝒸𝑒𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒶. 𝐼’𝓂 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎.
Olu and Griff are so special and have a special place in my heart forever 🫶
“I whisper into his mouth, “Please don’t leave me again.”
“I won’t,” he says. “I won’t.”
“And I won’t stop loving you when things get hard. Please try to believe that. Because I’m going to prove it.” I press our foreheads together, let him feel my lips move against his.(…) I want you to feel better, but I love you as you are.”
His next breath shudders out of him. “And I love you.”
“It’s not a competition,” I say solemnly.
“If it was,” he tells me, “I would absolutely win.”
———————————————————————————————————-
𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 *𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰* 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼, 𝓮𝔁𝓬𝓮𝓹𝓽 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰… 𝓲𝓽 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓭 🥺. I 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓞𝓵𝓾 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓖𝓻𝓲𝓯𝓯 🌱🌾🌿🍃🪴🪻🌴🌳 📖📚📓
I’m absolutely in love with this writing, and I want to live in this book. The English countryside is like a dream come true. I’ll stay in a quiet corner, behind a plant. I swear you won’t see me or hear me breathing harshly, I promise! [Not.] This book calmed me, drew me in, kept me warm and cosy, and had me always smiling.
I’ve read so many reviews saying this was boring, and I respectfully cannot fathom for the life of me why. This is so delicate, poetic—ethereal even—but also funny, sweet, and *so* hot 🥵. In other words: perfect! I’ve highlighted entire pages of this book. Everything is so meaningful and right that I just couldn’t decide what was important or not.
I love Olu. His posh sarcasm is the best. He’s like a big, handsome, sassy brat, hiding all those insecurities, just waiting to be unwrapped. And Griff… the gentle giant. Their connection is stunning. The way they laugh together, even in bed, feels so refreshing. Omg, I’m obsessed! The slow-burning tension between these two, working through their own insecurities, the soft, cautious touches, the build-up… every touch, every kiss, everything they do is special. They heal each other so beautifully, in perfect synchrony 🫶. I just can’t deal, damn.
I absolutely loved the sex dynamic. I just can’t. It’s like someone created a bundle of “all things Patrícia loves.” Add to that the size and age gap, the grumpy-and-sassy sunshine pairing, the *aesthetic*—I’m in heaven.
Usually, I hate endless inner thoughts, but I loved every word in this one. It’s the way the author writes them—the personal, intimate thoughts and doubts—that makes it truly special. Do I wish we’d had more dialogue? Yes, obviously, but I didn’t mind being in their heads the entire time. It made me feel like I’ve known them forever.
A hail to the incredible secondary characters: Maria, Rebecca, and Elizabeth—and their husbands.
𝑀𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝒹… 𝐼’𝓂 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝑔𝒶𝓇-𝓇𝓊𝓈𝒽-𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓊𝒸𝑒𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒶. 𝐼’𝓂 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎.
April 13, 2025
Wow. Just - wow.
You know that rare feeling when you can tell a book is special while you’re still reading it? So you slow down, reread paragraphs just because you can, take your time and savour every moment because you don’t want the magic to end?
Yeah. That.
Work for It is soft, careful, tender and very moving. There’s so much vulnerability woven into every scene - especially in the hesitant conversations, the slow unraveling of guarded hearts, the way desire and fear push and pull.
And there’s this beautiful tension between not wanting to want and still wanting with everything they have and that tension was just… 😮💨🫠
They both just have that gut feeling that this person might be their person, even if it seems preposterous. And still, they’re brave enough to explore it. To let the other in and when they do it’s giddy and aching and full of soft fizzing joy.
What struck me most was how much Olu and Griff shouldn’t work on paper: they’re both so prickly, so guarded, both hurt in different ways. And yet somehow, they fit each other perfectly 🥹
The writing is honest, emotional, incredibly funny, and endlessly relatable. The pacing quite slow and one hundred percent character driven, which I adored. The setting, the characters, the themes - it all felt so rich and infinitely charming (and very British, which - again - I adored).
It was smiles and tears and exactly what I needed 🥹
4,5⭐️
You know that rare feeling when you can tell a book is special while you’re still reading it? So you slow down, reread paragraphs just because you can, take your time and savour every moment because you don’t want the magic to end?
Yeah. That.
Work for It is soft, careful, tender and very moving. There’s so much vulnerability woven into every scene - especially in the hesitant conversations, the slow unraveling of guarded hearts, the way desire and fear push and pull.
And there’s this beautiful tension between not wanting to want and still wanting with everything they have and that tension was just… 😮💨🫠
They both just have that gut feeling that this person might be their person, even if it seems preposterous. And still, they’re brave enough to explore it. To let the other in and when they do it’s giddy and aching and full of soft fizzing joy.
What struck me most was how much Olu and Griff shouldn’t work on paper: they’re both so prickly, so guarded, both hurt in different ways. And yet somehow, they fit each other perfectly 🥹
The writing is honest, emotional, incredibly funny, and endlessly relatable. The pacing quite slow and one hundred percent character driven, which I adored. The setting, the characters, the themes - it all felt so rich and infinitely charming (and very British, which - again - I adored).
It was smiles and tears and exactly what I needed 🥹
4,5⭐️
February 7, 2023
Ok. This might be my favorite Talia Hibbert book. And I should probably reread others before officially saying that..I mean, this is my 3rd time reading this one lol. But man. There's something about this book. It's the perfect combo of angsty, sexy, tender, and just a bit funny. I wouldn't change a sentence, a word, a letter. Nothing.
To me, this is easily Talia's least humorous, rom-com type book (that I've read ofc). Moments of her usual humor/banter are definitely still there but the overall tone has more weight to it. I personally LOVE this side of her writing and hope she writes more books like this in the future.
------------------------------
I went into this book wanting to reread an old fave and left knowing that this is one of my favorite books of all time.
Olu and Griff are EVERYTHING to me. They're both so layered and vulnerable throughout this whole story, and I immediately loved them separately as soon as they were introduced. Their relationships with their loved ones was so sweet too. And when Talia brought these two flawed, kinda grumpy/cynical, lovely men together?? It was a HIT.
Their connection leapt through the pages even when they didn't like each other, and it was often tender without being sappy. Every internal and external emotional moment didn't feel cheap or melodramatic at all; their struggles felt heavy and real and earned. So, when they finally found their way to each other, it was perfection. And, of course, their sexual chemistry was immaculate, as is the case with all of Talia's couples.
Talia doesn't miss, we know this. If Dani wasn't such a bad bitch and Zafir wasn't literally perfect, this would be my favorite book from her.
To me, this is easily Talia's least humorous, rom-com type book (that I've read ofc). Moments of her usual humor/banter are definitely still there but the overall tone has more weight to it. I personally LOVE this side of her writing and hope she writes more books like this in the future.
------------------------------
I went into this book wanting to reread an old fave and left knowing that this is one of my favorite books of all time.
Olu and Griff are EVERYTHING to me. They're both so layered and vulnerable throughout this whole story, and I immediately loved them separately as soon as they were introduced. Their relationships with their loved ones was so sweet too. And when Talia brought these two flawed, kinda grumpy/cynical, lovely men together?? It was a HIT.
Their connection leapt through the pages even when they didn't like each other, and it was often tender without being sappy. Every internal and external emotional moment didn't feel cheap or melodramatic at all; their struggles felt heavy and real and earned. So, when they finally found their way to each other, it was perfection. And, of course, their sexual chemistry was immaculate, as is the case with all of Talia's couples.
Talia doesn't miss, we know this. If Dani wasn't such a bad bitch and Zafir wasn't literally perfect, this would be my favorite book from her.
Read
September 30, 2019Updated 30/9
@40%
I've tried to read this story in the first week it came out but I couldn't finish.
I wrote nothing about it. Soon, a friend asked me "Why didn't you like it?" which I answered in the comment space. And then another friend asked too. Therefore, as quietly as GR allows me, *yes, I am looking at you GR App 😤 pressing furiously to untick that box "Add to my update feed"* I am updating this with why I DNF.
My problem was the storyline. I found it boring and I ended up skimming a bit, that's my signal to give up. It's weird coz the writing is good. It shows instead of telling which is something I am picky about, besides the characters have a lot of personality another positive thing. However, sometimes this is not enough. The storyline didn't grab me, as a result, I felt totally disconnected. Pointless, to carry on.
Don't let my thoughts put you off on this.
I'm the red one in the pic.🤯😰
@40%
I've tried to read this story in the first week it came out but I couldn't finish.
I wrote nothing about it. Soon, a friend asked me "Why didn't you like it?" which I answered in the comment space. And then another friend asked too. Therefore, as quietly as GR allows me, *yes, I am looking at you GR App 😤 pressing furiously to untick that box "Add to my update feed"* I am updating this with why I DNF.
My problem was the storyline. I found it boring and I ended up skimming a bit, that's my signal to give up. It's weird coz the writing is good. It shows instead of telling which is something I am picky about, besides the characters have a lot of personality another positive thing. However, sometimes this is not enough. The storyline didn't grab me, as a result, I felt totally disconnected. Pointless, to carry on.
Don't let my thoughts put you off on this.
I'm the red one in the pic.🤯😰
October 12, 2019
3.5 stars. Sigh. I swear I really did mean it when I wrote RTC on this one, but too much time has passed for me to be terribly insightful, beyond the highs and lows that stick out in my memory. (Yes, I realize it's only been 11 days, but my old brain is a sieve.)
I enjoyed Work for It. One of the early things that impressed the hell out of me was that the author wasn't afraid to make one of her MCs act like a complete asshole, and then work his way out of that via some very decent characterization and psychological insight. And I was engaged like whoa in the slow burn of the couple's initial attraction.
The tension between them dropped off quite a bit in the second half, so that was one of my issues. And this tension loss was largely due to the OTT writing style. Everything was the best thing ever and all moments were life-changing. The unrestrained flood of modifiers (h/t to my friend Teal for that perfect phrase) started to make me feel waterlogged.
That writing style might have actually caused me to DNF if I'd been in a different mood, but this story struck something in me that I was digging, so it worked. But it's a cautious recommend in case that style would be grating for you.
I enjoyed Work for It. One of the early things that impressed the hell out of me was that the author wasn't afraid to make one of her MCs act like a complete asshole, and then work his way out of that via some very decent characterization and psychological insight. And I was engaged like whoa in the slow burn of the couple's initial attraction.
The tension between them dropped off quite a bit in the second half, so that was one of my issues. And this tension loss was largely due to the OTT writing style. Everything was the best thing ever and all moments were life-changing. The unrestrained flood of modifiers (h/t to my friend Teal for that perfect phrase) started to make me feel waterlogged.
That writing style might have actually caused me to DNF if I'd been in a different mood, but this story struck something in me that I was digging, so it worked. But it's a cautious recommend in case that style would be grating for you.
November 25, 2020
It is quite a nice book, but I considered dnf'ing it at some point. Thank goddess I didn't, because I found a few lines that squeezed my heart.
I know I'm probably alone with this, but 2020 is the best year of my life. I feel like I finally know who I am for the first time and I try to find out how to look forward instead of back. And every book has that one deep, heart-clenching line/thought that makes me think and realize and be able to move forward from the past.
I know I'm probably alone with this, but 2020 is the best year of my life. I feel like I finally know who I am for the first time and I try to find out how to look forward instead of back. And every book has that one deep, heart-clenching line/thought that makes me think and realize and be able to move forward from the past.
"Almost two hours later, I’m on my third journal and have, thankfully, stopped crying. It seems awfully self-absorbed to sob over the story of yourself.
But if these were someone else’s journals—if I were reading about a different young man who tried to do good, who heard over and over again that it wasn’t enough, who decided in the end to stop fucking trying and accept that he must be something awful—then I might cry over the words for hours and hours. Perhaps."
August 26, 2019
I was sent this book as an advance copy by the author for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
Talia Hibbert quickly became one of my go-to romance authors for M/F romance last year, so I was very curious to see her write her first M/M romance. I had this feeling of calm about it that only comes with trusting an author without fear that your expectations will be disappointed, and in fact they weren't.
The first thing that I noticed is how unique each main character is. Talia Hibbert doesn't shy away from taking some risks in her choice of characters either, which here was especially evident in Griffin, a queer gentle giant that most people would at first glance describe as, frankly, a little ugly. Seeing how not only Olu's first impression of him changes, but also how Griffin eventually finds himself good looking, was one of the highlights of the novel for me (among so, so many).
I'm so impressed by how many things were packed into this book. There's class difference (handled, in my opinion, so well), small village culture, various aspects of mental health, friendship and family, and of course the romance itself, which I loved and I don't really want to spoil for anyone. Despite some of these themes being a little on the heavy side, this is mostly a light-hearted and steamy romance that can be read very quickly.
As it happened with the other two novels I read from the author, the "drama moment" was a little overdramatic for my tastes, but even if there was miscommunication it was very understandable and not too frustrating, because you could see where the characters were coming from. It was by the end very satisfying and it reminded me that I need to read the first two books in this series (whose characters make cameos here — but the book stands perfectly on its own too).
TWs (taken from the author's review): depression, anxiety, references to past sexual trauma and forced outing, references to a parent who died by suicide
Talia Hibbert quickly became one of my go-to romance authors for M/F romance last year, so I was very curious to see her write her first M/M romance. I had this feeling of calm about it that only comes with trusting an author without fear that your expectations will be disappointed, and in fact they weren't.
The first thing that I noticed is how unique each main character is. Talia Hibbert doesn't shy away from taking some risks in her choice of characters either, which here was especially evident in Griffin, a queer gentle giant that most people would at first glance describe as, frankly, a little ugly. Seeing how not only Olu's first impression of him changes, but also how Griffin eventually finds himself good looking, was one of the highlights of the novel for me (among so, so many).
I'm so impressed by how many things were packed into this book. There's class difference (handled, in my opinion, so well), small village culture, various aspects of mental health, friendship and family, and of course the romance itself, which I loved and I don't really want to spoil for anyone. Despite some of these themes being a little on the heavy side, this is mostly a light-hearted and steamy romance that can be read very quickly.
As it happened with the other two novels I read from the author, the "drama moment" was a little overdramatic for my tastes, but even if there was miscommunication it was very understandable and not too frustrating, because you could see where the characters were coming from. It was by the end very satisfying and it reminded me that I need to read the first two books in this series (whose characters make cameos here — but the book stands perfectly on its own too).
TWs (taken from the author's review): depression, anxiety, references to past sexual trauma and forced outing, references to a parent who died by suicide
October 14, 2023
Reread 10/2023
Lovely, comforting, still one of my favorite mm books.
5 stars.
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Reread 01/2023
One of the most beautiful MM romances for me, one of my all time favorites, since reading it for the first time 3-4 years ago.
I love Olu and Griff, how special they are, how deserving of love and everything good in their lives.
The writing style is phantastic, the pacing and storyline balanced, there are no stupid plot twists or misunderstandings.
Ms Hibbert wrote two MMCs with such distinct, different personalities, I never had a second of doubt who's pov I was reading (contrary to many MM books where so often one MMC sounds interchangeable with the other MMC).
Love it.
5 stars.
---------
reread 03/2021
Work for it was so so beautiful.. Ms. Hibbert has put so much emotions in this story, I loved every beautifully written sentence.
The way she expressed Griff and Olu's thoughts and feelings was so beautiful to read, this is my new favorite of hers.
Lovely, comforting, still one of my favorite mm books.
5 stars.
-------
Reread 01/2023
One of the most beautiful MM romances for me, one of my all time favorites, since reading it for the first time 3-4 years ago.
I love Olu and Griff, how special they are, how deserving of love and everything good in their lives.
The writing style is phantastic, the pacing and storyline balanced, there are no stupid plot twists or misunderstandings.
Ms Hibbert wrote two MMCs with such distinct, different personalities, I never had a second of doubt who's pov I was reading (contrary to many MM books where so often one MMC sounds interchangeable with the other MMC).
Love it.
5 stars.
---------
reread 03/2021
Work for it was so so beautiful.. Ms. Hibbert has put so much emotions in this story, I loved every beautifully written sentence.
The way she expressed Griff and Olu's thoughts and feelings was so beautiful to read, this is my new favorite of hers.
October 12, 2019
rep: gay poc mc with depression & anxiety, mlm mc
an adult lit m/m book that's an honest to god slowburn ??? maybe the world won't end after all
personally i think it might use some more angst, but i'm a masochist who reads crush every month so u don't have to listen to me
an adult lit m/m book that's an honest to god slowburn ??? maybe the world won't end after all
personally i think it might use some more angst, but i'm a masochist who reads crush every month so u don't have to listen to me
May 11, 2022
Work For It is peak Hibbert and right now that's one of my favorite things. The story revolves around Olu, a beautiful, sophisticated biracial man struggling with anxiety and depression in the wake of trauma. Olu retreats to the cozy countryside to recover with manual labor and long walks. He's definitely not looking for love. And yet he quickly finds himself drawn to and eventually truly madly and deeply in love with a big, prickly sweet bear of a man named Griff:
"My heart is pounding against my ribs, which are still feeling delicate. He really ought to have some consideration for my condition. God in heaven, hear my prayers. I am in serious trouble."
This is what Talia Hibbert does so well. She draws distinctive, beautifully flawed characters in a dirty and angsty and wonderfully sweet story. The wit and angst come first, and it's often tongue in cheek and culturally current. For example, this isn't regency England and yet Olu is a self-described rake, specifically he says: "I'm a profligate rake. It’s considered an outdated profession, but I’m rather good at it.” Next comes sweetness, and just the right amount of dirty in due course. It's a formula but it works, and Hibbert excels at it.
May 2022 reread.
I love Olu’s epiphany.
“If Jen”—his wife—“ever felt like all the good parts of herself were submerged, and only the worst parts floated to the top, and she wanted to work on that, to feel more balanced, but she didn’t quite know how…”
My words slow down, then grind to a cautious stop.
Because, even as I ask this question, the answer is crystal-clear. I know exactly what Theo’s going to say. “What?” he prompts me. “Go on.” But I can’t. I can’t even ask, because it would be an insult. If depression or insecurity or shitty, hateful parents—or anything else in the world—ever made Jen feel like me, there’s only one thing Theo would do. He’d love her anyway, because all her good parts would still be there, and all her not-so-good parts would still be her. Because you don’t give up on someone when they’re drowning.
"My heart is pounding against my ribs, which are still feeling delicate. He really ought to have some consideration for my condition. God in heaven, hear my prayers. I am in serious trouble."
This is what Talia Hibbert does so well. She draws distinctive, beautifully flawed characters in a dirty and angsty and wonderfully sweet story. The wit and angst come first, and it's often tongue in cheek and culturally current. For example, this isn't regency England and yet Olu is a self-described rake, specifically he says: "I'm a profligate rake. It’s considered an outdated profession, but I’m rather good at it.” Next comes sweetness, and just the right amount of dirty in due course. It's a formula but it works, and Hibbert excels at it.
May 2022 reread.
I love Olu’s epiphany.
“If Jen”—his wife—“ever felt like all the good parts of herself were submerged, and only the worst parts floated to the top, and she wanted to work on that, to feel more balanced, but she didn’t quite know how…”
My words slow down, then grind to a cautious stop.
Because, even as I ask this question, the answer is crystal-clear. I know exactly what Theo’s going to say. “What?” he prompts me. “Go on.” But I can’t. I can’t even ask, because it would be an insult. If depression or insecurity or shitty, hateful parents—or anything else in the world—ever made Jen feel like me, there’s only one thing Theo would do. He’d love her anyway, because all her good parts would still be there, and all her not-so-good parts would still be her. Because you don’t give up on someone when they’re drowning.
August 27, 2024
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Talia Hibbert never misses. Her writing always makes me feel so much. She is truly my #1 favourite romance author.
Her books never fail to evoke the warmest, fuzziest feelings. There's just something about her writing and her characters that I absolutely adore.
It's a rather sad prospect that I'll run out of Talia Hibbert books one day. I've tried to slow myself down, but I can't help myself — her books are so good that I just want to devour them all :')
I guess I can always reread my favourite stories of hers, once I've read them all. At least, that is something to look forward to...
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when in doubt, read a talia hibbert romance! 🥰
He stares at me some more. ❝If I thought I deserved it,❞ he says, ❝I’d probably kiss you.❞
Talia Hibbert never misses. Her writing always makes me feel so much. She is truly my #1 favourite romance author.
Her books never fail to evoke the warmest, fuzziest feelings. There's just something about her writing and her characters that I absolutely adore.
It's a rather sad prospect that I'll run out of Talia Hibbert books one day. I've tried to slow myself down, but I can't help myself — her books are so good that I just want to devour them all :')
I guess I can always reread my favourite stories of hers, once I've read them all. At least, that is something to look forward to...
❝When he kisses me, all I can feel is perfect.❞
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pre-review╚═══════════════╝
when in doubt, read a talia hibbert romance! 🥰
September 14, 2019
MIra que lo siento, estoy en franca minoría aquí, pero no me ha gustado. Me gustaba la historia, los personajes, pero aunque la autora escribe bien, en ocasiones menos es más y ha habido partes en las que me he aburrido y he desconectado. No me ha emocionado. Hay autores que lo hacen y otros que no.
May 26, 2025
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
🎵𝓈𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽 — 𝐼 𝒞𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒮𝓁𝑒𝑒𝓅 𝒷𝓎 𝒜𝒷𝒷𝑒𝓎 𝒢𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇🎵
// Thunder and lightning make my heart beat faster
But you do it all the time //
Absolutely beautiful.
Not enough to encapsulate all the feelings inside the pages of Work For It. I loved every minute of Olu and Griff’s story.
Silent gentle giant and broken city boy.
They were so different, so hurt by the world that they couldn’t trust the love they felt for each other. A deeply romantic love story, a calming countryside background and stunning writing really made this read quite unforgettable.
I loved how awkward they were, how they would talk over each other. Every interaction felt real and human. I loved the pacing, them going from ignoring each other to not being able to stay away. How gentle Griff was with Olu, how they just seems to understand each other on another level.
And that spice?? Way too hot. It’s not everyday I get to read a book where a character comes just from a look and some teasing, but ooooh do I love it when that happens. The way they just melted into gooey marshmallows for each other, the passion, the fucking romance, kissing in the rain.
Not only was this perfectly sweet, but it was also achy and with a great mental health rep. I really connected to Olu and his story, so this hit extra deep in the feels. My heart hurts so good.
A stunning read that will stay with me for a long while.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of parental disownment
- Parental death (off page)
- Depression & anxiety
- Touch aversion/sex aversion
- Age gap (38 vs 28)
- Vers MCs
- Coming untouched
- Shower sex
- Frotting
- Rimming
🎵𝓈𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽 — 𝐼 𝒞𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒮𝓁𝑒𝑒𝓅 𝒷𝓎 𝒜𝒷𝒷𝑒𝓎 𝒢𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇🎵
// Thunder and lightning make my heart beat faster
But you do it all the time //
How dare he make me feel like he adores me?
Absolutely beautiful.
Not enough to encapsulate all the feelings inside the pages of Work For It. I loved every minute of Olu and Griff’s story.
He looks as if he might be part-bear. He looks as if he’d be rather comfortable to lie on.
Silent gentle giant and broken city boy.
They were so different, so hurt by the world that they couldn’t trust the love they felt for each other. A deeply romantic love story, a calming countryside background and stunning writing really made this read quite unforgettable.
I loved how awkward they were, how they would talk over each other. Every interaction felt real and human. I loved the pacing, them going from ignoring each other to not being able to stay away. How gentle Griff was with Olu, how they just seems to understand each other on another level.
“You’re losing it without a hand on your dick, because you love me pounding you into the mattress. Don’t you?”
And that spice?? Way too hot. It’s not everyday I get to read a book where a character comes just from a look and some teasing, but ooooh do I love it when that happens. The way they just melted into gooey marshmallows for each other, the passion, the fucking romance, kissing in the rain.
Gorgeous. Like everything I never knew I wanted.
Not only was this perfectly sweet, but it was also achy and with a great mental health rep. I really connected to Olu and his story, so this hit extra deep in the feels. My heart hurts so good.
Are you sure forever isn’t standing right in front of you?
A stunning read that will stay with me for a long while.
When he kisses me, all I can feel is perfect.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of parental disownment
- Parental death (off page)
- Depression & anxiety
- Touch aversion/sex aversion
- Age gap (38 vs 28)
- Vers MCs
- Coming untouched
- Shower sex
- Frotting
- Rimming
March 19, 2020
I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review
CW: Pictures sold with no consent, mention of parental death by suicide, depression, anxiety, panic attacks.
You know how I knew that Work for It was one of the best romances I’ve ever read in my life as romance trash who’s been reading the genre since she was 11? (yeah, let’s not talk about that). It’s the fact that I am also that person who’s been taking notes while reading religiously the past four year and it didn’t even occur to me to do it for this one. I have zero notes. Zilch. It’s been a few months since I read it and yet it’s still so vivid in my memory that it feels like I read it last week.
I don’t think I still need to rave about Talia Hibbert’s writing because at this point, you all know from previous reviews that she 100% knows how to use words to get a strong hold on my heart from start to finish, never letting go of it, squeezing it into smithereens and then putting it back together like nothing happened, leaving behind a small imprint with each book. And I think that Work for It left the biggest one, because of how much it meant to me. It’s told in two perspectives, the first being Olu’s, who is a side character in her Just for Him series, and the second one being Griffin’s. The two of them very different and yet more similar than they realize.
Full review posted on my blog : Word Wonders
CW: Pictures sold with no consent, mention of parental death by suicide, depression, anxiety, panic attacks.
You know how I knew that Work for It was one of the best romances I’ve ever read in my life as romance trash who’s been reading the genre since she was 11? (yeah, let’s not talk about that). It’s the fact that I am also that person who’s been taking notes while reading religiously the past four year and it didn’t even occur to me to do it for this one. I have zero notes. Zilch. It’s been a few months since I read it and yet it’s still so vivid in my memory that it feels like I read it last week.
I don’t think I still need to rave about Talia Hibbert’s writing because at this point, you all know from previous reviews that she 100% knows how to use words to get a strong hold on my heart from start to finish, never letting go of it, squeezing it into smithereens and then putting it back together like nothing happened, leaving behind a small imprint with each book. And I think that Work for It left the biggest one, because of how much it meant to me. It’s told in two perspectives, the first being Olu’s, who is a side character in her Just for Him series, and the second one being Griffin’s. The two of them very different and yet more similar than they realize.
Full review posted on my blog : Word Wonders
May 20, 2021
Re-Read, insomia struck. I love how Olu develops and the sparks with Griff. Both their character come across strongly, two very different men that complement each other so well. The writing is really good with some great lines, a few worth rereading.
__ __ __ __
Wasn't sure what to expect but after reading the author's alternative blurb in her review space I had to give it a look, and I really enjoyed it.
From the opening Keynes isn't likeable, he doesn't like himself, distant and brittle yet he knows how to charm. Griff is both similar and polar opposite; a gentle clever man who people look down on, solid but gruff never having chance to charm.
Both broken, lonely and able to see the other. With a good dose of contrary thrown in to mix things up. That sounds angsty yet the feel is more lyrical and the best thing about the book is the laughter. There's a gentle humour and for all the bumps these men make each other laugh.
There's dual pov and was very impressed with how different they read, there's a whole different accent to their thoughts. Quickly came to care for both of them and to want things to work out for them.
A simple story but with depth; depression, loneliness, self-image. Some moments to catch in your throat but smiles along the way. There's some heat but for me the sense of connection between them was everything. It ended happy.
__ __ __ __
Wasn't sure what to expect but after reading the author's alternative blurb in her review space I had to give it a look, and I really enjoyed it.
From the opening Keynes isn't likeable, he doesn't like himself, distant and brittle yet he knows how to charm. Griff is both similar and polar opposite; a gentle clever man who people look down on, solid but gruff never having chance to charm.
Both broken, lonely and able to see the other. With a good dose of contrary thrown in to mix things up. That sounds angsty yet the feel is more lyrical and the best thing about the book is the laughter. There's a gentle humour and for all the bumps these men make each other laugh.
There's dual pov and was very impressed with how different they read, there's a whole different accent to their thoughts. Quickly came to care for both of them and to want things to work out for them.
A simple story but with depth; depression, loneliness, self-image. Some moments to catch in your throat but smiles along the way. There's some heat but for me the sense of connection between them was everything. It ended happy.
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